“As a bird that wandereth from her nest, So is a man that wandereth from his place. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: So doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; Neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: For better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and are punished. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, And take a pledge of him for a strange woman. He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It shall be counted a curse to him.”
Proverbs 27:8-14 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.27.8-14.KJV
Holding the Door Open
In 2 Peter 3:9, Peter writes to encourage his friends…
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."
Peter is reminding them that the world in its present state won’t last forever. We look forward to the day when the new heavens and new earth will arrive and all evil, suffering, and death will pass away.
But our time holds a special characteristic: it’s a chance for people to repent and find salvation.
Jesus, in His kindness, is holding the door open—giving time for more people to turn away from destructive living and come to Him.
This is our golden opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus. Through His followers, He is actively extending His offer of new, eternal life to the world.
And those who respond to that invitation will find the peace of God’s presence. They’ll have access to joy that can’t be taken away by ...